Pauline Conneely: Biography

BIOGRAPHY

Pauline Conneely was born in Bedford, England. The youngest of four children, raised by Irish parents, economic migrants, who were themselves steeped in Irish Music, Dance and Culture. Like many such Irish households in the UK and America in the 1960’s, these homes were filled with the sounds of music and dancing on a daily basis. The Conneely children were encouraged by their parents, and indeed their mentors (one of whom was Brendan Mulkere) to experiment with a variety of different instruments, with Pauline eventually electing to concentrate on the banjo, all the while continuing with other activities, such as, becoming a Champion Irish Step Dancer along the way.

Since her first visit to the USA in 1988 as a musician and dancer with Ceomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Pauline has made her home in Chicago. And what a journey it has been! She has shared the stage with, and has become close friends with, most of the well-respected Irish artists performing on the world stage today. And there is no doubt that people like Liz Carroll, John Whelan, John Doyle, Daithí Sproule, The Chieftains, Cherish the ladies, Sean Keane, Mick McGoldrick, Troy MacGillivray, and countless others too numerous to mention, would return the compliment, to their friend and peer, Pauline Conneely.

Known to have a wicked sense of humor, and a story always at the ready, Pauline is at her most comfortable when playing her beloved banjo, surrounded by people who share her love of all things Irish, whether as a member of her own band Chicago Reel, or a guest of the Cape May Céilí Band as she was recently on the Cruise of Irish Stars, or simply sitting in with an impromptu session at the local pub.